Jun 26, 2026 01:37 AM
(This post was last modified: Jun 26, 2026 01:56 AM by C C.)
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1132670
INTRO: One third of the world’s population is infected with the Toxoplasma parasite, which can cause ocular toxoplasmosis, an eye infection that can damage the retina and result in permanent vision loss. Although often seen as an unavoidable part of everyday human–animal interaction, toxoplasmosis is preventable and controllable.
A new global paper led by Associate Professor João Furtado from the University of São Paulo and Professor Justine Smith from Flinders University has brought together experts from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. It calls for the disease to be formally recognised as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Senior author and internationally recognised ophthalmologist, Professor Justine Smith, from FHMRI Eye & Vision at Flinders University, says the impact of toxoplasmosis on eyesight is significant but widely overlooked. “Toxoplasmosis is a leading eye infection and a major cause of vision loss worldwide, yet it receives limited attention in global health agendas,” says Professor Smith.
“With WHO’s recognition, we can make substantial progress in prevention and management of this infection.” People can become infected through eating undercooked meat, contaminated produce or water, or exposure to cat faeces.
In pregnancy, infection can be passed to the unborn baby, leading to miscarriage or permanent damage to the brain and eye. Many affected children develop vision problems that worsen over time. Lead author Associate Professor João Furtado, a prominent Brazilian ophthalmologist, researcher and educator based at the University of São Paulo, says the disease is often misunderstood.
“Toxoplasmosis is often seen as inevitable, but it has well characterised transmission pathways and can be prevented and controlled,” says Associate Professor Furtado. He says the most severe outcomes, including blindness, occur in communities with limited access to healthcare, safe food, clean water and prenatal care.
“These impacts could be reduced through practical public health measures such as improved food safety, clean water, sanitation and better access to antenatal care,” he says. Despite its global burden, toxoplasmosis receives less research funding and policy attention than diseases with similar or lower impacts.,, (MORE - details)
INTRO: One third of the world’s population is infected with the Toxoplasma parasite, which can cause ocular toxoplasmosis, an eye infection that can damage the retina and result in permanent vision loss. Although often seen as an unavoidable part of everyday human–animal interaction, toxoplasmosis is preventable and controllable.
A new global paper led by Associate Professor João Furtado from the University of São Paulo and Professor Justine Smith from Flinders University has brought together experts from the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. It calls for the disease to be formally recognised as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Senior author and internationally recognised ophthalmologist, Professor Justine Smith, from FHMRI Eye & Vision at Flinders University, says the impact of toxoplasmosis on eyesight is significant but widely overlooked. “Toxoplasmosis is a leading eye infection and a major cause of vision loss worldwide, yet it receives limited attention in global health agendas,” says Professor Smith.
“With WHO’s recognition, we can make substantial progress in prevention and management of this infection.” People can become infected through eating undercooked meat, contaminated produce or water, or exposure to cat faeces.
In pregnancy, infection can be passed to the unborn baby, leading to miscarriage or permanent damage to the brain and eye. Many affected children develop vision problems that worsen over time. Lead author Associate Professor João Furtado, a prominent Brazilian ophthalmologist, researcher and educator based at the University of São Paulo, says the disease is often misunderstood.
“Toxoplasmosis is often seen as inevitable, but it has well characterised transmission pathways and can be prevented and controlled,” says Associate Professor Furtado. He says the most severe outcomes, including blindness, occur in communities with limited access to healthcare, safe food, clean water and prenatal care.
“These impacts could be reduced through practical public health measures such as improved food safety, clean water, sanitation and better access to antenatal care,” he says. Despite its global burden, toxoplasmosis receives less research funding and policy attention than diseases with similar or lower impacts.,, (MORE - details)
